The Microsoft mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As a communications professional in our organization, you will play an integral part in positioning Microsoft as the most trusted and innovative partner in all markets around the globe, and, with AI (artificial intelligence) capturing the world’s attention, there has never been a more exciting time to be a Communicator at Microsoft.

The Senior Manager of Communications, Japan helps building and executing external comms campaigns that help people fall in love with Microsoft, the things we make, and the impact we have in the world. You will enjoy innovating in both the art—and science— of communications to drive the company image, news, and business impact, and to position Microsoft as the world's most innovative and trusted company. To seize the opportunity to tell Microsoft’s story in AI and innovation, you have space for creativity combined with a high degree of autonomy and personal accountability and will be part of a global Communications team that is at the forefront of AI adoption. The Senior Manager of Communications upholds excellence in PR campaigning, maintains strong media relationships, and effectively manages agencies.

Reporting to the Head of Communications Microsoft Japan, this role is part of the Global Media Relations Organization and operates in partnership with our US headquarters, Regional teams and the Japan cross functional team.

Responsibilities

Communication strategy planning and excellence in execution:

Advance and protect the corporate reputation by identifying opportunities to positively shift the perception of the Microsoft brand. Strengthen the Microsoft’s brand in Japan through leveraging its global vision and local customer and third-party voices, drive impact through original storytelling and amplify global key news moments in close cooperation with US headquarters and Regional Comms teams.

Excellent media relation s management:

Build and maintain relationships with local media and influencers, rooted to a deep understanding of Japan, its culture, its political economic and media environment, and the local relevance for Microsoft’s business. Expand the network to new audiences beyond traditional tech media. Promptly manage inquiries and news cycles, proactively identifying trends that may impact Microsoft's reputation in Japan and globally.

Collaboration across stakeholder groups:

Create consensus among internal stakeholders, leaders, and others to execute programs that boost reputation. Guide and assist the stakeholders in communicating externally and with media. Exercise the ability, experience, and the credibility to counsel senior executives, up to and including the president but also the attentiveness and emotional intelligence to work well with anyone in the business.

Agency Management:

Build trust and effective communication with agency staff to meet objectives, ensure high-quality deliverables and manage costs.

Culture carrier:

Embody our culture (https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/culture)  and values (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/about/corporate-values)  

If you are passionate about communications and looking for an exciting opportunity to grow and have impact, we would love to hear from you.

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree AND 10+ years’ communications experience either in-house or agency

Additional or Preferred Qualifications  

• 8+ years of close collaboration with cross functional stakeholders in multinational companies

• Long-standing media relationships with reporters in Japan 

• Preferably, master all communication tools and channels including social media

Key Skillset  

• Excellent people and diplomacy skills 

• A growth-mindset that enables creativity in thinking, analytical skills, an ability to deal with ambiguity, management of changing priorities, and consistency in partnering with and learning from others

• Excellent written and verbal communication in both English and Japanese, with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with a wide range of audiences and stakeholders

• Self-directing and highly adaptable, track record of delivering high impact communications results that map to stakeholder needs

• Strong team player who is willing to contribute to the Japan team and the wider community beyond their immediate remit

• Being a great listener so that feedback can be synthesized, shared and actioned with our Global Comms colleagues in a cooperative and insightful way

• Comfortable with piloting new ideas and approaches

#communications

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .